Cairo Travel Guide 2026
The last standing ancient wonder of the world, minutes from a city of 20 million people.
Search flightsWhy Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World, and remarkably, they sit at the literal edge of a sprawling modern city rather than in remote isolation. Add the Egyptian Museum’s collection (soon fully joined by the Grand Egyptian Museum) and Islamic Cairo’s centuries-old mosques and markets, and it’s a city with an almost unmatched historical density.
What to know before you go
Most Western passport holders can get an e-visa online before arrival or a visa on arrival at the airport — the e-visa is the smoother, more predictable option. Modest dress is advisable, especially for women, particularly around religious sites.
Best time to visit
October-April avoids the extreme summer heat, when Cairo regularly exceeds 35-40°C. December-February is coolest and most comfortable for a full day at the Pyramids.
Getting there
Cairo International Airport is a major hub with extensive global connections, making it an easy add-on to a wider Middle East or North Africa itinerary.
Getting around
A private driver or organized tour is the common way to see the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo efficiently — traffic and navigation can be genuinely difficult to handle independently as a first-time visitor.
Where to stay
Giza side for proximity to the Pyramids (some hotels have direct views); downtown or Zamalek for easier access to the museum and central sights.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is reliable throughout central Cairo and the Giza plateau.
Travel insurance for Cairo
Standard coverage works well; worth confirming your policy covers any desert excursions if extending beyond Cairo itself.
Everything else for your trip
Flights
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Get an eSIMWhat to Pack for Cairo
The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.
Don’t forget
- Modest clothing, especially for women, for mosque and market visits
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking around the Pyramids and museums
- Sun protection — desert sun is intense year-round
- Universal power adapter (Type C/F sockets)
Nice to have
- Hand sanitizer/wipes for markets and desert excursions
- A scarf for women visiting mosques
- Small bills (Egyptian Pounds) for tipping (baksheesh is customary)
- A dust mask if sensitive to desert air
Not Sure When to Go?
What a Day in Cairo Actually Costs
Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style. Your total will vary, but this gives you a realistic starting budget.
| Per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 | $35 | $95 |
| Food | $6 | $14 | $30 |
| Local transport | $4 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $8 | $22 | $55 |
| Total / day | $30 | $81 | $205 |
Practical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Egyptian Museum (and the new Grand Egyptian Museum)
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- Islamic Cairo’s mosques
- A Nile felucca sail at sunset
Culture & Etiquette
Modest dress is expected, especially for women, outside beach resort areas — shoulders and knees covered is a safe default in Cairo. Bargaining is the norm in markets (souks) and with unmetered taxis; agree on a price before the ride, or insist on the meter. Fridays are the main day of prayer/rest, affecting some business hours.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Officially licensed exchange bureaus and banks in Cairo generally offer close-to-market rates; the black market that once offered better-than-official rates has largely closed as official rates float freely, so there’s no real advantage to unofficial changers anymore — and it carries real risk. Bank ATMs are reliable in central Cairo and at the airport.
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Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
Plug type: C and F (European 2-pin round)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.